CARL JOHANNESON ends a ring exile of almost two years when he returns at Nottingham’s Harvey Hadden Centre on Friday night (5th Feb) – The Leeds puncher (27-4) faces Youssef Al Hamidi in his first contest since losing the British super-featherweight title against Kevin Mitchell on March 2008. Johanneson, 31, was stopped in nine rounds, but the scrap was a sensational slugfest. And Carl who has 19 inside the distance win has targeted regaining his old title and then stepping up to lightweight and facing Mitchell in a return..
Promoter Frank Maloney said: “Carl hopes to become the mandatory contender to the winner of the Gary Sykes v Ricky Burns vacant British super-featherweight title fight.
“There is some confusion of that bout because it is reported that Burns has a world title fight, but Carl is willing to step in.
“Carl has had a lay-off, but has already beaten Burns comfortably and I hope the British Boxing Board of Control will take that into account.
“I’m really excited about Carl’s return because he thrills in the ring and is a fighter I am close to from my days training him.
“He has never been in a bad fight and although he looks good in training we will see if the old spark in there on Friday.
“I would love to see him win the British title have a defence and then get another fight with Kevin.”
Sykes (13-0) has his British title warm-up on the card which is televised live on Sky Sports when he boxes Dean Mills (3-2-2).
At the top of the bill, local hero Jason Booth (34-5) bids to win a Lonsdale belt outright when he defends his British super-bantamweight title against Londoner Matthew Marsh (13-1).
Olympic bronze medallist Tony Jeffries has pulled out his six rounder against Welshman Nathan King because of a shoulder injury.
Tickets for the star studded Nottingham show priced £35 and £85 are available from www.frankmaloney.com and 0871 226 1508.
Booth: Would He Fight His Buddy?
JASON BOOTH has been given the chance to realise his European title dreams – but must face close mate Rendall Munroe. The EBU have made the Nottingham star (34-5) mandatory contender for Munroe’s European super-bantamweight championship. Before setting his sights higher Booth must defend his British crown against Matthew Marsh (13-1) in his hometown at Harvey Hadden Centre on Friday (5th Feb). Promoter Frank Maloney said: “Hopefully Jason will not have to face Rendall because of his upcoming WBC world title eliminator. “Rendall may well give up the title and if that happens I would love Jason to fight Bernard Dunne for the vacant European title.
“He can’t look past Marsh. Ian Napa had a European title fight lined up next month, but lost to Jamie McDonnell a couple of weeks ago.
“Saying that, he didn’t overlook Jamie. Ian was the victim of some absolutely shocking scoring that has cost him his chance.”
Booth, 32, will be attempting to win a Lonsdale belt outright against the Londoner and manager Jimmy Gill said: “Jason is boxing better than ever.
“Normally the lower weights can burn out quite quickly, but Jason is the opposite. He is maturing with every fight.
“He has spent nine weeks preparing for Marsh, had some great sparring and that is more than long enough to prepare.”
The star studded undercard includes Olympic bronze medallist Tony Jeffries and former British super-featherweight champion Carl Johanneson (27-4).
Tickets for the star studded Nottingham show priced £35 and £85 are available from www.frankmaloney.com and 0871 226 1508.
Scott ‘The Gent’ Woolford’s Renaissance Continues; Faces Young Mutley On 5th February.
Welterweight Scott ‘The Gent’ Woolford will face his sternest test of his career when he faces former WBF Light Welterweight and British Welterweight Champion Young Mutley at the Harvey Hadden Leisure Centre in Nottingham this coming Friday, the 5th February.
Woolford’s career seemed to go in to free fall following his loss to Ricky Hatton’s younger brother, Matthew, back in September ’08. Prior to this loss the 26 year old from Ramsgate in Kent had only lost once in nine outings. Further losses followed, firstly against Tom Glover when they fought for the vacant BBBofC Southern Area title in November ‘08 and then in March ’09 when he suffered a disastrous third round stoppage at the hands of Mark Douglas.
Determined to turn his career around Woolford regularly travels to Rooney’s Boxing Gym in South London to spar with house fighters Ben ‘The Entertainer’ Day, Karol ‘Dr KO’ Ozimkowski and Darren ‘Mr R&B’ Hamilton as well as receiving additional coaching from John Rooney Jnr.
The regular top class sparring clearly paid dividends as in his very next fight, in September ’09, he scored a resounding victory, when he stopped William Warburton in the fifth round. This was followed by another stoppage victory, over Scott Hayward, two months later.
Following one of his sparring sessions, at Rooney’s Boxing Gym, Woolford spoke briefly on his preparations for the fight and his esteemed opponent.
“Training’s been going well, been getting plenty of quality sparring. Everything’s been going well. Been working hard, training hard.
It’s a very good fight for me at the moment. Young Mutley’s been about for a long time, has a lot of experience. He’s a very good fighter. Hopefully going to cause a surprise as I am coming in as the underdog. Yeah, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Scott Woolford vs.Young Mutley is, part of the exceptional undercard that supports the Frank Maloney promoted BBBofC British Super Bantamweight title fight between Jason Booth and Matthew Marsh, at the Harvey Hadden Leisure Centre in Nottingham on Friday 5th February 2010.
Co-feature for this event sees Martin Concepcion against Kevin Hammond for the BBBofC Midlands Area Light Middleweight title,
The packed card also includes, Carl Johanneson against Harry Ramogoadi in a Super Featherweight bout, also at Super Featherweight Gary Sykes faces Dean Mills and In his third pro fight Middleweight Terry Maughan takes on the experienced Craig Tomes.
At Light Heavyweight Tony Jeffries faces Nathan King, whilst last year’s Prizefighter 7 – The Cruiserweights winner Ovill McKenzie takes on Billy Boyle.
In only his second pro bout Light Middleweight Curtis Valentine takes on seven fight veteran Ryan Clark. At Welterweight Scott Haywood squares off against John Fewkes and unbeaten Dale Miles takes on Terry Fletcher. In the battle of the little big men Andy Bell and Paul Edwards lock horns at Super Flyweight.